New Zealand Secret Santa, a social media tradition, is now open for registrations.
Much to the joy of Twitter users, the aptly named #NZSecretSanta was taken over by New Zealand Post in 2013 to make sure that those who give, receive, and those who don’t, won’t.
Individuals sign up online and give their Twitter username and address details while registration is open.
Once registration closes on November 19, individuals and organisations who have registered are nominated a different person to send a gift to. Organisations, however, don’t receive a gift.
The campaign won an award for Best Use of Social Media by a Brand or Company at the Social Media Club Auckland awards in June 2014.
SparkNZ was proud to announce that they are a part of the campaign.
We're stoked to be taking part in #NZSecretSanta again! (^TRF's giftwrapping skills haven't improved, but.) Sign up: https://t.co/TIHwWWTHo5
— Spark NZ (@SparkNZ) November 17, 2014
Others were also excited about the news, with administrators tweeting about the expectations.
Thrilled to confirm that @sparkNZ have signed up for #nzsecretsanta 2014 – based on their generosity other years – pray they're your santa
— NZ Secret Santa (@nzsecretsanta) November 17, 2014
A contingency plan has been made for those who, for whatever reason, don’t send a gift. The gifts that would otherwise be going to their address will be donated to Christchurch City Mission.
Additionally, this year, New Zealand Post is going to donate $1 for everyone who registers for New Zealand Secret Santa.
Rob Holmes, one of the organisers, is hoping the community will band together in the spirit of Christmas.
“Registration is only one week long this year; so we’re relying on the Secret Santa community to spread the word and increase the donation,” he says.
“If 5000 people sign up, New Zealand Post will give a $5,000 donation to the Christchurch City Mission. If 10,000 people sign up, we will give a $10,000 donation.”
How does it work?
- Twitter users around New Zealand send gifts to people they know only through social media.
- Based on a participant’s online presence, each Secret Santa will work out a perfect gift (for around $10) to send their lucky recipient. Participants use the hashtag #nzsecretsanta on Twitter to tweet about Secret Santa and to share photos of the gift they’ve received.
- New Zealand Post has the facilities to receive, store, and then redistribute gifts without having to disclose personal addresses to a stranger.
You can register for New Zealand Secret Santa here.
You can listen to an audio version of this story below:
He has a keen interest in politics and the law system but often looks out for the communities stories.
He lives on the North Shore and has a passion for wrestling.
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